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Greenpeace Urges Climate Action in Marcos' SONA

  Climate Justice Demands and Corporate Accountability

Greenpeace, in anticipation of President Marcos Jr.'s second State of the Nation Address, called on the administration to deliver genuine progress on their promised climate and environmental policies. The demand came after the environmental group beamed climate justice demands of communities in a floodway along Brgy. Tumana, Marikina City on Saturday night. The core of their call is for the government to hold oil and gas companies accountable for their role in exacerbating the climate crisis and to provide reparations to the communities most impacted by climate change.   Greenpeace Campaigner Calls for Action on Climate Justice Jefferson Chua, a campaigner from Greenpeace, stated that the billions of pesos spent on mitigating climate change effects and adapting to new realities cannot keep up with the escalating impacts experienced by Filipino communities. Chua emphasized that the responsibility to pay for climate impacts falls squarely on corporations that deny their role in the climate crisis. He urged the President to translate his words on climate justice into action, showing allegiance to the Filipino people rather than big businesses profiting from environmental destruction.   Corporate Responsibility and Liability for Climate Damages Greenpeace pointed out the significant findings from the 2022 Climate Change and Human Rights (NICC) report by the Commission on Human Rights. The report established the moral responsibility of fossil fuel companies for human rights harms caused by climate impacts, making them potentially liable for damages. Additionally, a 2023 study published in OneEarth estimated that the top oil and gas companies owe USD 70 trillion worth of climate loss and damage to those disproportionately affected by climate impacts.   Community Perspectives on Climate Impacts In Barangay Tumana, community leaders expressed concerns about the adequacy of their local mitigation and adaptation efforts against more extreme weather events. They believe that reparations from multinational companies, primarily responsible for climate change, are crucial to respond more effectively to the crisis.   Path to Genuine Climate Justice Greenpeace emphasized that genuine climate justice can only be achieved if the government reduces its dependence on fossil fuels and prioritizes a just transition to 100 percent renewable energy. This imperative includes the necessity of avoiding unnecessary detours, such as dangerous and costly nuclear energy. Additionally, it entails recognizing the fact that natural gas, too, is a fossil fuel.  

President Marcos Jr.'s Role in Climate Justice

With the privilege of widespread support in both Houses, the Marcos administration stands in a unique position to fulfill its promises. Consequently, Greenpeace calls on President Marcos Jr. to take proactive measures in advancing policies deeply rooted in climate justice and ensuring their swift enactment.   A Strong Message Against Climate Polluters Jefferson Chua expressed the hope that President Marcos Jr. uses his SONA not only as a platform for words but also, importantly, to deliver a powerful message against climate polluters and make them pay for the consequences of their unchecked greed. President Marcos Jr.'s 2nd SONA was watched worldwide for genuine climate justice and environmental protection steps. Greenpeace's global call for accountability resonates amid communities facing climate change impacts. Urgent corporate responsibility and a swift transition to renewable energy are vital for a sustainable future. The Philippines and other nations face the pressing challenge of addressing climate change while ensuring accountability.   Sources: THX News & Greenpeace. Read the full article